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Living with the legends
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle based the legendary character of Sherlock Holmes on a professor in his University. At times it is fun getting to be the man who ideated Sherlock Holmes or living the proxy life of James Bond; in other words being a biographer is like reliving a life that was lived and it comes with its own set of perks. "While achieving absolute objectivity is impossible, it is nice to be able to go through a person's letters," says author Andrew Lycett, who stops over in Chandigarh to catch the India versus England cricket match.
"There is definitely a market for biographies. This is evident from the fact that I have managed to live," he laughs at an interaction session at the British Library, Chandigarh, on Tuesday.
All in a biography
With a long list of acclaimed works on Ian Fleming, Rudyard Kipling, Dylan Thomas and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, depicting the lives of literary figures must be easy by now. "One of the things I try to do while writing a biography is to find out what it is like to be living in those times and leading that life. At times, the matter may not come easy and you have to read and research a lot." He adds, "I specialise in literary figures but only popular ones. There has to be something interesting to them." While Rudyard Kipling used to be a journalist who worked in a paper in Lahore, Ian Fleming came with his own set of variety and challenge. "Ian Fleming was a journalist too. There has to be something to the character and some element of interest. For instance, when I wrote about Conan Doyle, I started getting interested in crime." This brings us to Wilkie Collins, the Victorian sensation novelist and his upcoming biography. Ian Fleming came easy, "There were a lot of people to talk to about him; Wilkie Collins was a tough choice. "It was much further back in time. That was a difficult time. It was a period when Britishers were developing; when scientific impressions were only beginning to emerge."
The British connection
No British history is complete without the India connection. "India is a very interesting country at the moment. I visited it back in the seventies and it is a very different country from back then. It is on the rise and anyways, I have always been interested in the history of India; there are a lot of British links and that's what I could explore." What else remains to be explored is Earnest Hemingway, a figure that he wished to write on. "It didn't materialise for various reasons, but that would have been interesting because he lived a very interesting life. He was a journalist who spent some time in Africa, a place where I spent some time too." Like he said, there "has to be an interesting phase to a person!" While James Bond and Sherlock Holmes are nothing like each other, they are quite like one. "These characters wouldn't have continued to live for so long if they didn't have quirks. People like to identify with someone who has flaws; someone who's not perfect." Biographies take you beyond. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Laughter the best medicine
This simplest thing, let's say philosophically, is to hurt someone. Well, then this leaves us with one of the toughest things to do —make someone laugh! Minto from Kadian (Gurdaspur), the winner of Laughter Da Master 2 on PTC channel, nods his head in approval, "Indeed, it is never easy to make someone laugh and that too if you are on a show where you have to make the judges as well as the audiences laugh," says Minto, who has completed an M.Sc in Botany from the Khalsa College, Amritsar.
Here comes another stand-up comedian from the holy city. Kapil Sharma, Bharti, Rajeev and yes the man who can bring down the room with his laughter, Navjot Singh Sidhu, also comes from Amritsar! Minto is prepared for this question, as it is something everyone has been asking him right from the time he won. "I think there is something in the air and the water of the city; something is definitely 'wrong' with the ambience at Khalsa College as it compels you to be funny and happy," says Minto, who owes his success to his professor Davinder Singh and Rajeev Dhingra. "Had it not been for them I wouldn't have ventured into comedy," he adds. So, what inspires a stand-up comedian? We are expecting a wacky reply, but you can't expect a comedian to be laughing all the time. C'mon be serious! "I am not inspired by the Internet for sure. Everyday situations also inspire me, people moving around are a source of inspiration too," adds Minto, who really admires Jim Carrey for his work. After the success, Minto has further plans for his career. "I want to do Punjabi movies and also similar laughter challenge shows in Hindi and English both," he laughs. No kidding! jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Here today, gone tomorrow
You haven't been doing much TV these days? Well, there aren't many good roles. I am enjoying Adaalat on Sony with Ronit Roy. I play a lawyer and I shoot for few days a week so time isn't an issue. I love being a lawyer perhaps because as a child I wanted to be a lawyer. Now with all the play acting, my dream is coming true. How do you manage your time between the shows? I host events and give lectures too. There is no dearth of work if you want to do it. For acting I only prefer a good role. I enjoy meeting and talking to people like I recently did when I went to Raipur. People there were super fun and chilled out. They were actually enjoying life. How's your husband Mihir doing? He's fine. He has a business to manage which he does along with his TV career. We are both very practical people. We saw you in Mahadev too! Yes that was a short and sweet role. But I don't do much TV. Can you elaborate on what you just said ? Look at every new face on TV these days, they are so young and achieve immediate success. In fact ,most of them are not even seen again after the show is over.
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When Vidya met Siddharth
As she arrived at the venue, she was stopped by media and questioned. Furthermore she shared the secret why this event is special to both Siddharth and herself, "Interestingly, I met Siddharth for the first time at the backstage at Filmfare Awards some years back. So it is a very nostalgic feeling for me today. " The function also celebrated 100 years of Indian Cinema on which Vidya had to say, "The award night will be celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema and I am really happy to be a part of it." Like last year, this year too Vidya Balan shined for her performance in Kahaani.
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I don't take career advice from anyone: Kalki
The 29-year-old actress made a successful debut with husband and director Anurag Kashyap's critically acclaimed Dev D and followed it up with films like Shaitan, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, That Girl in Yellow Boots and Shanghai. Kalki feels her personality is more suited to youth-centric films. "I don't always follow the trends that are advised to me because I don't want to suffer later in life for choosing someone else's opinion rather than my own. So, it is important to stick to your decisions," Kalki said. "I am a representative of what the youth think and my kind of cinema is more in touch with them. My fan following is primarily from the age 15 to 30 so that is kind of relevant. I try to stick to what I believe in," she added. Kalki will be next seen in upcoming musical thriller Ek Thi Daayan, which also stars Emraan Hashmi, Konkona Sen Sharma and Huma Qureshi. The trailer, which was launched earlier this month, has generated a lot of buzz online. — PTI
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It's different
Ready to tickle viewers' funny bones with Ghanchakkar, Bollywood's serial kisser Emraan Hashmi says that comedy in his forthcoming U/A film is more situational and different from usual comedies.
"The comedy where actors are trying too hard to make the audience laugh, I don't find that funny. I think, this is more situational, it's funnier than all the comedies that you have seen," the 33-year-old said. Known for sharing screen space with glamour girls, Emraan has teamed up with Vidya Balan in Ghanchakkar, his second film with the actress after The Dirty Picture. Emraan says director Rajkumar Gupta, known for narrating gripping dramas like Aamir and No One Killed Jessica, too has dared to be different in the film. "It is a U/A film and it is a different kind of comedy. Generally there is a certain set format for the way we see the comic films in our industry, but I think it is different, it dares to be different. Raj's (the director) status is completely different as far as the comedy goes. It's a riot," he said. Ghanchakkar is slated for a June 21 release. — IANS
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Freida rocks the boat
After two shelved films with Abhay Deol, Navdeep Singh seems to have finally found a script that can be directed.
We have it from a reliable source that Navdeep's new project is about a female detective who is out to solve a murder mystery. Navdeep has zeroed it on Freida Pinto to star in the film. She has shown a keen interest. However, there's one problem. "Freida met Navdeep and producer Vikramaditya Motwane. She liked the script. But she had one pre-condition before signing the film. She wants Vikram Motwane to direct the project while Navdeep, thinks Freida, could be on board as a writer." Freida's pre-condition has frozen the project in its tracks. "The whole idea of Navdeep writing the film was to let him direct it so that the long break due to his aborted projects would be broken. He has been able to make only one film in six years. Vikram Motwane was only helping his friend Navdeep out. There's no way he will step in as a director. If Freida insists they will go to another actress. At the moment they're trying to convince her," says the source. Coming to Navdeep's shelved projects, we have it from the source that the zombie film Shaadi Of The Dead which was being co-produced by Ekta Kapoor and Sid Jain has been called off due to "creative differences" between Navdeep and the production team.
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Starry eyed
Having taken her first step in the glamour world with commercials, Kirti moved to music videos next. Theatre provided the training ground for acting. "For one whole year I did just theatre, putting everything else on hold," says the actor who made a debut in the industry with Khichdi: The Movie. As of now, Kirti is kicked about Rise Of The Zombie, which releases in the coming month. "It is the first zombie movie ever in India. The challenge lies in introducing the new genre to the audience," she says. Having played the multi-layered character of Tanya in Shaitan, playing Vinny in Zombie was not that challenging as it was a much simpler role, but she adds, "It takes as much hardwork and sincerity to pull through any role." In Jal she plays a village belle Kesar, while in Sooper Se Ooper she enacts a girl Gul, who is totally in love with dancing. Movies have kept her occupied and life tosses up a new challenge each day. "The glamour industry is a tough place to make a mark in. Even kids born and brought up in star families have to struggle to find their way up, so you can imagine how much more an outsider has to do," she says. To keep waiting for work, meeting challenging deadlines and remaining sane in the intense competition-driven world doesn't come easy, and Kirti credits her family for it. "Discipline and sincerity are inculcated during one's upbringing," says Kirti. She finds inspiration from different people in the field. If it's Vidya Balan's onscreen presence, it's Priyanka Chopra's larger-than-life persona and her ambitious move in the international arena as a singer that Kirti looks up to. "I am all for Shah Rukh Khan's charms and Salman Khan for being the brand he is. And who cannot be inspired the way an outsider, Katrina Kaif, without any knowledge of the language and culture, is ruling the industry and the way Ranbir Kapoor challenges himself with each new film," she signs off. mona@tribunemail.com
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Cherished moments Divya Dutta
Thanks my dear, I am touched that I can touch your lives this simple way. I am a part of your lives as a writer and an actor. Coming back to the latter part, the actor. You perform and you get applauded. It feels great. But it shall remain the best memory to perform where you started, to have your relatives, principals, teachers, peers, and friends sitting in the audience and many more outside for a mad rush for passes to see their city girl perform. And that standing ovation by those who held my little finger and helped me grow! How can I be more thankful for all the love you have bestowed on me! It's that feeling when you are so happy that you want to cry. Thank you Ludhiana! And Patiala, what do I say to you who have been a lively audience? Just a big heart felt thank you. Great to perform at the Tiwana institute. Great to see theatre growing there. And what do I say about this super talented co-star and director of Teri Amrita, Om Puri. I got to know him a bit better during this trip. Learnt a big lesson of being so real and humble. And he showed me Patiala like I'd never seen before. Before the fleet of cars arrived to fetch us, we decided to take a cycle-rickshaw ride. I just couldn't stop laughing. I did that after ages. Then I was treated to some awesome bhatura chana and saag. The diet went for a toss. But who cares when your loved ones feed you with all their love, be it my best buddy in Ludhiana or my maasi or friends in Patiala. I've come back with extra bags…of love and affection. And a reassurance that I have so many homes back there. Where my roots are! "I stand in all humility, "Kehne ko mehaz ek lafz hai, tahe dil se jo nikle, usse shukriya kehte hain..." (Dutta is a Bollywood actor)
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Modern designs
Tanishq has tied-up with Tips Industries Limited, the producers of the most-awaited action-thriller Race 2 wherein leading actresses Deepika Padukone, Jacqueline Fernandez and Ameesha Patel will be seen donning the IVA collection in the movie. The Race franchise is the perfect ally for IVA, scoring high on sophistication, cutting edge design, latest trends and popular appeal. Available from Rs 20,000 onwards, IVA range offers a wide variety in earrings, finger rings, pendants, cuffs, neckpieces in 80 designs and is available at Tanishq stores. —TNS
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High-voltage notes
If you still haven't felt the electronic high and the sweet music rush on which you can trip for a while, it's time you hopped on to the nearest jukebox and looked for Swedish House Mafia, a progressive house band, which performed in Delhi last November. They announced the release of Don't You Worry Child at the Future Music Festival, 2012 and the song is already a strong enough to sell 1,35,000 copies. The inspiration for the song was derived from the band's outlandish escapades in Australia and its beauty, which is said to have made the grown up men cry. The song features vocals from John Martin. Tsunami of beats
I am an avid fan of progressive house and it's always on a roll in my car or even when I'm doing nothing at all. When it comes to Swedish House Mafia, they pull almost every song through such high voltage beats that it stirs your soul. Don't You Worry Child, which is the latest of their music ventures and perhaps the last, (since the band is rumoured to break up) they have but given their best to the song. Though Martin's done a great job with the vocals, Axwell is my favourite. Anuj Khanna, a former deejay and businessman Universal connect
Swedish House Mafia has done wonders with the song. I like the way they've managed to blend the beats with the lyrics. However, what I love about the song is that it sits well with every mood and emotion. Gurri Chabbra, student, SD College-32 Mind-boggling track
I cannot get the sound
of this song out of my mind. It's one those songs which you want to keep listening to it. Rahul Gujjar, businessman — As told to Amarjot Kaur
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Have your cake and eat it too!
Manju Dewan We all like to bake cakes and now the cooking thrust is more towards promoting health, so we do try to make such combinations with ingredients high on nutrition. With a play of honey, cinnamon and fresh fruits this is a sure winner. Fresh fruit cake medley 250 gm maida 1 tin milkmaid ½ cup milk 50 grams sugar 60 grams butter 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp vanilla essence For topping 1 cup orange juice 1 tsp honey Pinch, cinnamon powder 1 cup fresh fruits (chopped) Fresh fruits, for garnishing Method
* Sieve maida, baking powder and baking soda twice. * Blend butter, sugar and milkmaid well. Add milk as required. *
Now slowly add the maida mixture to it and blend well. * Grease and dust the tin. Pour the cake batter in it. *
Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degree for 40 minutes. Let it cool for 2-3 hours. *
Mix together orange juice, honey and cinnamon powder. * Pour this mixture evenly on the cake and let it absorb. *
Scoop out a little portion from the cake and fill it with chopped fresh fruits. *
Decorate it with fresh fruit of your choice. (Dewan Is a culinary expert) — As told To Poonam Bindra
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Saif's wisdom
Looking fit I had gained weight after the wedding parties.
But I started shooting for Bullet Raja with Tigmanshu Dhulia and there I had a regular schedule—shooting, working out, watching television, sleeping on time and watching
what I eat. So I lost weight. Even when we were in Switzerland, we ate healthy. Marriage matters In India, there is a big difference between introducing the woman you love as your wife and as your girlfriend. So, it's time we tied the knot. We live in society and have to adhere to the norms. I feel blessed to be married to Kareena. You
cannot be a bachelor forever. It is fine till a certain age only. Healthy resolutions I want to look and feel fitter and live a healthy lifestyle. I want to make interesting movies that work and work with interesting and talented people. I am very optimistic about Race 2, because it is a sequel and we have a long weekend.
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Super winner
Kiss and tell
Deepika Singh attended the Mumbai Marathon on Sunday. She had gone there to cheer the participants. Though she also wanted to run for the marathon, she couldn't as she had to get back to the shooting of her daily soap. She interacted with her fans there and expressed her desire to run for the marathon next time
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The year ahead
If your birthday is January 23...
An interest in foreign lands and cultures will motivate you to take a trip. You're about to witness a way of life that is entirely different from your own. This will put your own problems in proper perspective. It will also reassure that no matter what their circumstances, people have the same goals. Everyone wants to be loved and valued. With that knowledge, you can form profound relationships with friends, neighbours and relatives. Get into the habit of expressing your appreciation. Use what you already have before rushing out to buy more. You need to relax and find happiness among close friends as well as family members. Don't take your seniors for granted. Travel will be beneficial but expensive. You're getting more accomplished at home because you remember to use the magic words 'please' and 'thank you'. It may be difficult to keep a promise you made to a friend. If this is the situation, be honest and offer to work out a compromise. This will allow them to make alternate arrangements. March could be a time when you will have to make a decision concerning a close companion. Be strong, open, and honest and follow through with your responsibilities in the friendship. Your imagination is at its best now. It may be a good idea to put it to use. Perhaps you can try writing or photography. Don't worry about what others say. Normally, you enjoy the company of others and bonhomie around your home. If you own a small-scale industry, you will get bulk orders that will keep you busy for long. Export-oriented units make a steady progress. You will be able to achieve more through your routine job or business. Increasing your educational qualifications will be a good way to spend 2013. Getting a degree will make you a 'hot' commodity in the job market. People respect your calm and practical approach because you're more interested in building bridges than burning them down. Mood: Cheerful.
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Astro Turf
ARIES: It is important that you use your time in a worthwhile manner. Pointless arguments and debates will only waste your time; therefore do not engage in them. The future looks bright and hopeful. Tarot message: Try to avoid serious discussions with loved ones. TAURUS: Some long overdue tasks will be completed successfully. Socially, you will be quite occupied and meet new people. Catch up with old friends. Hectic activity can make you somewhat impatient, so be extra-careful. Tarot message: Seek advice. GEMINI: Many of you will not be energetic and upbeat today; spending some time on your own will enable you to recharge your batteries and focus on the tasks at hand. Avoid speculation and invest only in safe plans. Tarot message: A shopping spree can upset your budget. CANCER: This will be a demanding day for many of you, since family and friends will not be very open towards new relationships that you have formed lately. Delay matters related to money or property. Tarot message: Make the best of a bad situation by being polite. LEO: Decision-making and strategising should be done today since you will be quite realistic and practical. You will be motivated to take on pending tasks and catch up with friends as well as loved ones. Today you will accomplish a lot at work. Tarot message: Spend time on fitness routines. VIRGO: Since the past few days, you have been coming up with productive ideas; now is the time to put them into practice. As far as relationships go, you will have to help someone out of a dire situation. Take care of your health. Tarot message: Renew energy in a relationship. LIBRA: Putting your home and workplace in order, the results will start to show and you will be able to achieve much more in lesser time. There will be social gatherings and celebrations to attend, which will put you in the limelight. Tarot message: Adopt a diplomatic approach. SCORPIO: Family matters will be fairly uneventful and some of you will have to help out a younger sibling or relative. Those planning to start own businesses should seek the support and guidance of friends as well as family. Tarot message: Beware of making rash moves. SAGITTARIUS: Being a part of an exhibition will be vital for your growth. This is also a day in which travelling will hold a lot of significance - both personally and professionally. It is essential that you do not postpone things. Tarot message: Keep your eyes and ears open for new opportunities. CAPRICORN: Today many of you will spend time in broadening spiritual and philosophical dimensions of your personality. This activity will enable you to plan for the future. Relationships will become stronger and enable you to grow. Tarot message: Be as charming as possible. AQUARIUS: Efforts of the past will bear fruit and bring in rewards. There will be changes in several aspects of your life and this will put a fair amount of stress on you. However, these changes will have a beneficial effect on your future. Tarot message: Stop thinking about yourself. PISCES: Today you will be focusing on dealing with pending tasks. You will be mentally and physically agile and will be able to accomplish quite a lot. In relationships and financial dealings, trust your experience and instincts. Tarot message: Take life the way it comes. |
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Manini Mishra who is seen in the television serial Adaalat was earlier seen in Mahadev. She loves having time on her hands.
The 58th Filmfare Award function was very much special for the newly-married Vidya Balan and the reason is very touchy and nostalgic. Vidya Balan was glowing as she walked the red carpet of the Filmfare Award with her dearest husband UTV head honcho Siddharth Roy Kapur. "This is the first time I am coming with my husband (Siddharth Roy Kapur)", she said.
Kalki Koechlin has made her mark in Bollywood by doing atypical heroine roles and the actress says she doesn't believe in taking advice from anyone when it comes to her career.
Kirti Kulhari has made her way to filmdom and she is here to stay. With her four movies — Rise Of The Zombie, Jal, Single Chal Riyaa Hun, Sooper Se Ooper — slated to release this year, she is happy portraying all characters —from a simple village belle to the modern babe.
Just got back from Ludhiana and Patiala. First things first, I am so touched by your overwhelming response to my write-ups. This is my way of connecting with you. A lady came up to me in Patiala and hugged me tight. She said, "Thanks for reintroducing me to myself! After reading your write-up I went on a date with myself, the Divya Dutta way."
Embodying the modern Indian woman and her individual taste, Tanishq has launched IVA--a new fashion jewellery line in gold to celebrate the true essence of womanhood. Keeping the jewellery line minimalistic and yet contemporary, IVA also marks Tanishq's entry into fashion jewellery space.
Ingredients
Saif Ali Khan has just about returned from London and busy promoting Race 2. He talks about being married and fitness and more.
Delhi- based, 20- year-old Paras's happiness knew no bounds when he was announced the winner of Integriti Bindass Superdude! With just one task and three finalists to go, the competition was getting hotter by the minute. The last task was a 'Dark Room' dating challenge wherein the boys couldn't see the girls but only observe their moves and woo them. All the three boys did a fair job at it but as luck would have it, it was Paras who impressed Aditi the most! At the end of the task, show host Ashmit Patel, crowned Paras the winner of the task and declared him the 'Ultimate Superdude'! Paras Zutshi was overwhelmed when he was presented not only with the most coveted title of India's Ultimate 'Superdude', but he also won himself a fancy Bindass Superdude Chopper by Vardenchi Motorcycles worth 10 lakhs! What more could anyone ask for!
What’s in store
No plans yet
Run along
You share your birthday with Ramesh Sippy (January 23, 1947, Karachi), who is best-known for directing the popular film Sholay. His father was producer GP Sippy and his son Rohan Sippy is also a film director. He played Achala Sachdev's son in Shahenshah. He worked in both the production and direction departments in films like Johar-Mehmood in Goa and Mere Sanam. He worked for seven years as an assistant before becoming the director of Andaz. His second film Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) was very successful. He directed the popular television serial titled Buniyaad, which was aired on Doordarshan in 1987.